Review Scuba Diving in Guadeloupe

The island of Guadeloupe is an overseas territory belonging to France. It is divided into one major island (composed of two parts: Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre) and three small islets, Les Saintes, La Désirade and Marie Galante. Often described as an amazing destination, this butterfly shaped island has some of the best dive sites of the Lesser Antilles. You will find at Réserve Cousteau (Basse-Terre) the Îlets Pigeon, but also the Îlet Gosier that is located in Grande-Terre or the Sec Pâté that is between Les Saintes and Basse-Terre.

When to go diving in Guadaloupe?

Guadeloupe is in the middle of the Caribbean islands and has therefore two distinctive seasons: one called dry season, during from December to April and the other one, called humid season, from mid-June to November. Besides, it also has a rainy season that takes place from August to October, during which currents get stronger because of the rain, making the dives more difficult and more dangerous. As a tourist, the best months to visit Guadeloupe are May, June and November. However, the best period to dive in Guadeloupe is from December to April.

Scuba diving conditions

Visibility: The visibility in Guadeloupe is pretty good since it is possible to see underwater from 50 to 100 feet.Currents: The currents there have a weak strength, except during the rainy season from August to October when they can be very violent.Difficulty: It is absolutely possible to begin dive in Guadeloupe thanks to the numerous beginners level of certain dive sites. But some dive spots like Sec Pâté or Banc des Vaisseaux require divers to have a level 2.The water temperature in Guadeloupe is high: between 26° and 29°C (79° and 84°F).

What to see while diving and snorkeling?

Guadeloupe has very rich and diversified fauna and flora. You’ll find there various different species of sponges but also great barriers of coral. Diving in Guadeloupe will allow you to see the beautiful but dangerous lionfish also known as Ptérois Volitans and barracudas, especially in the Îlets Pigeon area. Even if it’s rare, it is also possible to see common stingrays. However, this specimen is quickly ill-at-ease when surrounded by men and never stay around for long. Turtles are very common in Guadeloupe. You will be able to see them during different dives of different levels. For the luckiest guys, it will be possible to swim with humpback whales, the great cetacean that generally reach the 13 or 14 meters width.